Sunday, November 20, 2011

Fatal Crash South of Smith's Ferry

IDAHO STATE POLICE NEWS RELEASE
Region 3 Patrol 700 S. Stratford, Meridian 83642
(208) 846-7550
Fax (208) 846-7520

For Immediate Release: 11/20/2011 12:30 p.m.
Contact: Corporal Sherbondy

Idaho State Police investigated a fatal crash that occurred on State Highway 55 at mile post 86.7 south of Smith's Ferry, Idaho on Saturday, November 19, 2011, at 11:06 a.m. Katherine L. Bulcher, 19 of Hansen, was traveling south on State Highway 55 on snow and slush covered roads when she lost control of a 2006 Toyota Camry while negotiating a sweeping right curve. Bulcher's vehicle started to fish tail and crossed the center line into the northbound lane of travel. Vernon D. Chitwood, 62, of Boise, was traveling north in a 2003 Ford F350 pickup. Chitwood attempted to avoid the Camry by steering to the right; however, he was unable to avoid the collision with Bulcher's vehicle.

Occupants in both vehicles were taken by ground ambulance to St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise. Sarah C. Asmus, 18, of Blackfoot, a passenger in Bulcher's vehicle, passed away Sunday, November 20, 2011, from her injuries.

It appears that seatbelts were worn by all occupants and alcohol is not a factor in this crash. Idaho State Police Corporal Sherbondy investigated this crash with the assistance from Valley County Sheriff's Office.
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